Karpman’s Drama Triangle - Changing The Narrative

Bringing together the different elements of the drama triangle and how we can change the narrative and create a different outcome.

Remember - this is always about our own self awareness, and not about how we control or manipulate others.

Karpman’s Drama Triangle - Part Three, The Persecutor

And finally the persecutor. In the drama triangle the persecutor is the one that is often feared by the victim and pacified by the rescuers.

The persecutor is the one that will attack and keep going until they get what they want - they keep the victim oppressed and will criticise the rescuer.

Without judgement this behaviour is likely coming from a place for fear and is a stress response - the fight response.

Karpman’s Drama Triangle - Part Two, The Victim

The victim is often looking for persecution or to be rescued and struggles to ask for what they need. Behaviour can often be seen as passive aggressive or ‘this always happens to me’

Karpman’s Drama Triangle - Part One, The Rescuer

First up I want to look at the Rescuer - not just because its something I resonate with (!) but its something I see business owners do all the time. Rescuing underperforming employees rather than upsetting them with a honest conversation.Feeling stressed, overwhelmed and under pressure as you want to 'save others' from feeling uncomfortable.

Taking the blame for mistakes that weren't yours as you don't want to upset others.Taking more and more on as you feel guilty for burdening others.

A brief introduction to Karpman’s Drama Triangle

People often want to control how others behave, yet this is impossible and highly stressful and damaging. A model I use all the time is something called the drama triangle. It’s shows the different roles we default to in situations with others.